VA Educational Benefit Chapters
This table provides a basic understanding of VA's different education benefit programs. Keep in mind that the eligibility criteria and benefit aspects of the programs are complex and it is ultimately VA's responsibility to determined eligibility for individual programs. For official guidance or details, please refer to va.gov/education or contact the Education Call Center at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551).
Post-9/11 GI Bill (CH 33)
- Minimum Eligibility Requirement: 90 aggregate days of active duty service after 9/10/01.
- Maximum Number of Months of Benefits: 36 months - may extend to end of term if expires during term.
- Entitlement: 48 month maximum if combined with one or more programs.
- Duration of Benefits: 15 year time limit on use of benefits if release from active duty was before 1/1/13. Unlimited time to use benefits if release from active duty was on or after 1/1/13.
- How Payments are Made: Tuition is paid to the school, housing is paid to the student monthly, and Books & Supplies are paid to the student at beginning of the term.
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (CH 30)
- Minimum Eligibility Requirement: 2 or 3 years of active duty depending on branch and service dates.
- Maximum Number of Months of Benefits: 36 months- may extend to end of term if expires during term.
- Entitlement: 48 month maximum if combined with one or more programs.
- Duration of Benefits: 10 years from last discharge or separation. Duration may extend for disability that prevents completion of program.
- How Payments are Made: Paid to student.
Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (CH 35)
- Minimum Eligibility Requirement: Veteran's death of permanent and total disability as a result of service.
- Maximum Number of Months of Benefits: 36 months
- Entitlement: 81 month maximum if combined with one or more programs.
- Duration of Benefits: 8 years for children (ages 18-26), 10 years for spouses, and 20 years for spouses of veterans rated permanent and total disabled within 3 years of discharge or death on active duty.
- How Payments are Made: Paid to student.
Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (CH 1606)
- Minimum Eligibility Requirement: Active reservist with minimum 6 year commitment after 6/30/85.
- Maximum Number of Months of Benefits: 36 months
- Entitlement: 48 month maximum if combined with one or more programs.
- Duration of Benefits: 14 years from your beginning date of eligibility, or on the day you leave the Selected Reserve. May extend if disability incurred or aggravated by service in selected reserve prevents completion of program.
- How Payments are Made: Paid to student.